Painting Cost Guide

Typical painting cost ranges

Interior painting

Scope	Typical range	Notes
Single room (avg size)	$300 – $800	Walls + ceiling
Full interior (2,000 sqft home)	$3,500 – $7,500	Walls, ceilings, trim
Labor per sqft	$1.50 – $4.00/sqft	Varies by prep and region
Cabinet repainting (kitchen)	$800 – $3,000	Heavily prep-dependent

Exterior painting

Scope	Typical range	Notes
Single-story home (1,500–2,000 sqft)	$2,000 – $5,000	Walls + trim
Two-story home	$3,500 – $8,000	Access equipment adds cost
Labor per sqft	$1.00 – $3.50/sqft	Surface prep drives range

Ranges reflect national averages. Local labor rates, surface condition, and paint quality all shift the final number. Use the painting calculator with your specifics for a closer estimate.

What changes the price most

• Prep and repairs (patching, sanding, caulk, scraping)
• Surface complexity (trim, shutters, high ceilings, textured walls)
• Paint quality and number of coats
• Access and protection (furniture moving, masking, ladders/scaffolding)

Questions to ask every painter

• Exactly what prep is included?
• Which brand/line of paint and how many coats?
• How do you protect floors/furniture?
• Is cleanup and haul-away included?
• What warranty do you provide?

How painting jobs are commonly priced

• Per square foot: common for walls/ceilings when scope is consistent
• Per room: useful for smaller interiors with varying prep
• Time + materials: often used when repairs and prep are uncertain

The biggest reason bids differ is scope clarity — two painters can both be “right” while including very different prep, paint lines, and protection.

Scope checklist (ask for this in writing)

• Surfaces included (walls/ceilings/trim/doors/cabinets)
• Prep tasks included (patching, sanding, caulk, scraping)
• Primer and number of coats
• Paint brand/line and sheen
• Protection plan (masking, drop cloths, furniture moving)
• Cleanup + disposal
• Warranty terms

Red flags to watch for

• Vague bids without prep and product details
• Big deposit requests before materials are ordered
• “One coat included” with no primer plan on stain-prone walls
• No written warranty or refusal to confirm paint line/sheen

Frequently asked questions

How long does an interior paint job take?

A typical single-room repaint takes half a day to a full day. A full interior (2,000 sqft home) usually takes 3–5 days with a 2-person crew, depending on prep complexity and number of coats.

Should I supply the paint or let the contractor?

Contractor-supplied paint is common and usually makes warranty claims simpler — they stand behind the product and application together. Buying your own paint occasionally saves money but shifts accountability for finish issues.

What's the difference between one coat and two coats?

Two coats produce better coverage, durability, and color uniformity — especially over dark colors or stained surfaces. One coat is sometimes appropriate for touch-ups or lightly-colored repaints over matching primer. Always confirm coat count in the written bid.

Do I need to move furniture before the painters arrive?

Ask upfront. Some contractors include furniture moving and floor protection in their quote; others don't. Confirm in writing what they will and won't move, and who is liable if something is damaged.

How do I spot a bad paint job before it's too late?

Watch for thin coverage, visible brush or roller marks, uneven sheen, paint on trim or hardware that wasn't masked, and drips. Inspect during the job, not just at final walkthrough — it's much harder to get corrections after you've signed off.